A BEREAVEMENT support charity has hit the jackpot with a road race that looks set to become a major fund-raising event on the Wyre Forest running calendar.

Bramble's Trust members were amazed when a field of more than 200 turned up for the inaugural race in September but they had an even greater shock when it was announced this week more than £5,000 was heading for their coffers.

The 10k road race and fun run, which started and finished at the all-weather athletics track in the Kingsway, Stourport, was the first event organised by the newly-amalgamated Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club and sponsored by the Shuttle/Times & News.

Money raised will go to the trust's work with bereaved youngsters and their families. And a £140 slice of the entry fees will go to the Ray Mercer Sporting Foundation, which gives financial help to the district's most talented sporting youngsters.

Trust spokesman Steve Fitzgerald said: "We were away on a camp during the weekend of the race, but the families involved were very much aware of the fund-raising being done on their behalf.

"They were so grateful to all those associated with the race."

He added: "It was a fantastic achievement to raise so much money at the first attempt.We have to thank many people, including the running club and those who took part, for making it such a success."

He said:"We really do want this to become a major event locally and the support it received suggests we will achieve our aim."